RECK overexpression reduces invasive ability in ameloblastoma cells

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a frequent odontogenic neoplasm characterized by local invasiveness and high risk of recurrence. Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a tumor suppressor that inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of RECK overexpression on invasive potential in ameloblastoma cells. METHODS: Lentiviral vectors containing human RECK gene were created and subsequently stably transfected into immortalized ameloblastoma cell line hTERT(+)-AM. Functional characteristics of hTERT(+)-AM cells with stable RECK overexpression included proliferation, migration, invasion, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9 measured by zymography or commercially available assays. RESULTS: The stable and higher expression of RECK mRNA and protein (P < 0.01) was detected in RECK-transfected hTERT(+)-AM cells. RECK overexpression caused a decrease in migration and invasion (P < 0.01) for hTERT(+)-AM cells and a decrease in activity of MMP-2, MMP-9 (P < 0.01). Proliferation was not affected by RECK overexpression (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of RECK gene significantly inhibited cell invasive ability of hTERT(+)-AM cells, suggesting RECK may be a new target for ameloblastoma treatment.